Modular storage and organization system for existing cabinets

ABSTRACT

A storage and organization system is provided for customizing existing cabinets, such as kitchen, bathroom, pantry and/or garage cabinets. The system includes differently-sized stationary bases, pullouts, and accessories constructed to fit closely into any of many differently-sized storage spaces for optimal efficiency and maximum capacity, while providing customized functional support. The pullouts slidably extend from track extensions on the stationary bases, and allow side access and top access to selected accessories. The accessories are adjustably mounted on the pullouts for optimal position and function. Components are pre-constructed so that consumers can select and install a system with ease, while still meeting their needs and preferences.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, and thebenefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/543,435, entitled“MODULAR STORAGE AND ORGANIZATION SYSTEM FOR EXISTING CABINETS,” filedon Oct. 5, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedby reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to storage and organizing systems flexiblyadapted for use in existing cabinets to provide greatly improvedstorage, organization and visual access within the existing cabinets,yet without having to replace or modify the existing cabinetsthemselves.

Most existing cabinetry is not customized to meet particular needsand/or preferences of a user, unless perhaps the user is the originalhome owner (or original cabinet purchaser) and is able to selectspecifically what they want. Nor is existing cabinetry designed to beflexible enough to adapt to a user's changing life style and changingneeds. This is problematic because when people buy an existing home, orwhen people's lives change with age, they are forced to work within thecapabilities and idiosyncrasies of the existing cabinetry, rather thanallowing them to adjust the cabinetry to meet the needs of their changedlife style.

Storage and organization are difficult problems. While cabinets are madeto be aesthetic and visually appealing, they are often not optimallysuited for good, organized storage, especially when there are space andlogistical constraints and limitations in an existing buildingstructure. Further, cabinets are usually not designed for dense storage,which often results in poor use of existing space and/or in significantwasted space. For example, kitchen and pantry drawers/shelves are oftenfilled with randomly arranged “piles” of kitchen utensils, foodflavorings, cans of foods, and other kitchen-related items, thecombination of which makes it difficult to find and retrieve aparticular utensil or item from the storage area. Similarly, deskdrawers are often filled with items randomly thrown into the drawerwithout means for keeping them organized.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a storage and organizationsystem is provided for customizing existing cabinets, where the existingcabinets define differently-sized storage spaces with at least twodifferently-sized standardized access openings. The system includesdifferently-sized first and second stationary bases constructed to fitinto an associated one of the differently-sized storage spaces, eachbase including attachment structure for bottom mounting to theassociated cabinet and including spaced-apart track extensions locatedto extend through an associated one of the standardized access openings,but with a widest spaced one of the track extensions not being able tofit through a narrowest one of the standardized access openings. Thesystem further includes first and second accessory-supporting pulloutsconfigured to slidably engage the spaced-apart track extensions of thefirst and second stationary bases, respectively, and constructed to fitthrough and extend from the associated access opening of the existingcabinets, the pullouts being movable between an extended position forside access and a retracted position for storage. The system stillfurther includes a plurality of different accessories selectivelyattachable to the pullouts to provide different functions on thepullouts.

In a narrower form, the pullout includes at least two verticalstructural panels positioned on front and rear ends of the pullouts,such that the pullout defines side access.

In another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus includes acombination of a standardized cabinet and a storage-and-organizationsystem adapted to be inserted into the standardized cabinet fororganizing and customizing the standardized cabinet. The standardizedcabinet has a defined storage space and defined access opening. Thestorage and organization system comprises a stationary base adapted tofit within and be attached to the existing cabinet and a pullout, thepullout engaging the stationary base for movement between an extendedposition for access and a retracted position within the standardizedcabinet for storage. The pullout includes front and rear spaced-apartvertical structural panels each having vertically-spacedhorizontally-aligned pairs of attachment sites on inboard surfaces andincluding horizontal braces rigidly connecting the vertical structuralpanels to define laterally-accessible openings and further includes atleast one shelf selectively attached to the attachment sites andsupported by the vertical structural panels.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method for customizing anexisting cabinet comprises measuring dimensions of an existing cabinetincluding dimensions of an access opening into the cabinet, selecting astationary base from a plurality of different sized bases, andinstalling the selected base in a bottom of the existing cabinet,selecting an accessory-supporting pullout from a plurality of differentpullouts and installing the selected pullout on the selected base formovement between an extended position for access and a retractedposition for storage, the selected pullout including at least twovertical structural panels, and selecting a functional accessory from aplurality of accessory components and installing the selected functionalaccessory on the pullout, the functional accessory being designed toorganize and provide customized storage and holding functions.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method for customizing anexisting cabinet having a main space and having an access opening with awidth dimension and a height dimension comprises installing a base in abottom of the existing cabinet, the base including track extensions, andselecting an accessory-supporting pullout from a plurality of differentpullouts, each different pullout having a different structure forproviding a different set of functions, where the selected pullout isconstructed to closely fit into the width and height dimensions of theaccess opening and constructed to fit within the main space of theexisting cabinet for storage, operably installing the selected pullouton the track extensions of the base for movement between retracted andextended positions, and selecting accessories to support a desiredfunctional need and installing the selected accessories on the selectedpullout.

Other aspects of the present invention include the ornamental appearanceof various configurations.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present inventionwill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-1A are perspective views of a flexible storage and organizationsystem mounted in an existing kitchen cabinet embodying the presentinvention, FIG. 1 showing the system installed in and stored within theexisting cabinet but with the existing cabinet's door opened to show anouter front end of a pullout installed on a base, and FIG. 1A showingthe pullout extending from the cabinet for access.

FIGS. 1B-1C are perspective and exploded perspective views of the systemof FIGS. 1-1A, and FIGS. 1D-1F are an end view and cross sectional viewstaken through FIG. 1B.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the flexible storage and organizationsystem of FIG. 1 but where a modified pullout includes only two (notthree) vertical structural panels, and FIG. 2A is an exploded view ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a modified pullout of the flexiblestorage and organization system.

FIG. 4 is a chart showing different bases, different pullouts, anddifferent accessory units that can be selectively assembled to supportdifferent functional activities/needs.

FIGS. 4A-4UU are perspective views of modified versions of the presentstorage and organization system, each using the base best shown in FIGS.2-3, and one of the pullouts best shown in FIGS. 1C and 2A, andincluding different arrangements of accessories to support differentfunctional needs and preferences of a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A storage and organization system is provided for customizing existingcabinets and storage areas, primarily for kitchen storage areas, butalso adaptable for bathroom, patio, work area, and/or garage cabinetsand storage areas. The system includes differently-sizedmulti-functional stationary bases, pullouts, and accessories constructedso that a set can be selected to fit closely into any of manydifferent-but-standard-sized storage spaces for optimal efficiency andmaximum capacity, while providing customized functional support for auser and while satisfying the user's personal preferences. The pulloutsslidably extend from track extensions on the stationary bases, allowing(visual and physical) side access and top access to selected accessoriesand stored items. Some accessories are adjustably mounted on structuralpanels of the pullouts for optimal position and function. Components arepre-constructed so that consumers can select and install a system withease, while still meeting their customization needs and preferences. Theillustrated pullout frames are made primarily of wood or wood product,such as ⅝″ wooden board or wood product, though it is contemplated thatalternative materials can be used.

As noted, the plurality of differently sized bases are constructed tofit within and be attached to a bottom of particularly sized existingcabinets with standardized opening sizes, as are found in most kitchenand preassembled cabinet systems. Installation is relatively easy. Aftermeasuring and selecting a system, a selected base can be attached to theexisting cabinet by screws or fasteners run vertically downwardly into abottom of the existing cabinets. Alternatively, brackets and/or adhesivecan be used if desired. The bases include spaced apart track extensions,such as drawer glides commonly used in desks and furniture forsupporting movement between an extended position for access and aretracted position for storage. The illustrated glides arethree-telescoping-section extensions, allowing the pullouts to besubstantially completely pulled out of the existing cabinet for greatestaccess.

The plurality of differently sized pullouts are constructed to fitwithin a main space of an associated one of the existing cabinets. Eachof the illustrated pullouts include at least two vertical structuralpanels, and sometimes three vertical structural panels, each withhorizontally aligned pairs of attachment sites positioned in spacedvertical positions. However, it is contemplated that versions can beconstructed that include only a single (or no) vertical structuralpanel. The illustrated pullouts include two or more panels rigidlysupported in their upright positions by horizontal cross braces; atupper corners, the cross braces abutting inside surfaces of the panelsto hold them rigidly and squarely in place. The illustrated cross bracesare secured by pairs of screws extended through predrilled holes in thepanels and that extend into holes longitudinally drilled into ends ofthe cross braces, but it is contemplated that the cross braces andvertical support panels can be secured and braced in various ways,depending on functional considerations, such as, a combined weight ofthe pullout and accessory, torque and functional/durability requirementsof the system in particular applications, and the like.

A plurality of accessories are attachable to a selected one or more ofthe pairs of vertically-spaced attachment sites (holes) on the uprightstructural panels, allowing adjustable installation at differentheights. It is contemplated that the accessory components could includean infinite variety of possibilities, and accordingly, the presentillustrated list is not intended to be unnecessarily limiting. Forexample, FIGS. 1-1F illustrate a pullout including three structuralpanels with a raised half shelf and short tray accessory, FIGS. 2-2Aillustrate a pullout including two structural panels with a raised wideshelf with cutting board and knife storage accessory, FIG. 3 illustratesa pullout with three structural panels supporting a raised half shelfbut with a long (full-length) tray having adjustable dividers, and FIGS.4-4U illustrate additional accessory arrangements.

Specifically, the illustrated existing cabinet 30 (FIG. 1-1A) includes acabinet structure 31 defining an access opening 32 with vertical andhorizontal dimensions, and includes an aesthetic panel 33 hinged to theexisting cabinet structure 31 for movement as a door closure forcovering/closing the opening 32 (see FIG. 1). It is noted that theaccess opening 32 can extend vertically upwardly to a bottom of acountertop or to a lesser distance to accommodate a drawer or otherstructure within and around the existing cabinet structure 31. Also, theaccess opening 32 extends horizontally a distance as appropriate for theparticular kitchen or environment where it is located. Significantly,most cabinets are standardized to take advantage of mass production andfor aesthetic and functional reasons. However, many existing cabinetsare simply empty enclosures, providing little or nothing more thanhidden storage.

The illustrated storage and organization system 50 in FIGS. 1 and 1Aincludes a base 51 with spaced track extensions 52 (such as drawerglides commonly used in desks and furniture), and a pullout 53 (alsocalled a “pullout support frame” herein) slidably engaging the trackextensions 52 for horizontal movement (and for cantilevered support whenextended). The pullout 53 is configured to support a plurality ofdifferent accessories mounted in or on the pullout 53. The particularaccessories in FIG. 1 include a mid-level half shelf 58 and atop-resting tray 60. FIGS. 1D-1F discloses a relationship of componentsfrom an end view, including the base 51, the track extensions 52, thepullout 53 with vertical structural panels 54 and attachment sites 57,and the mid-level shelf 58.

The illustrated pullout 53 of FIG. 1A includes three spaced upright(vertical) structural panels 54 positioned in front (outer end),intermediate, and rear (inner end) positions on a bottom panel 52′. Thebottom panel 52′ is attached to an outer end section of the trackextensions 52, and is attached to a bottom of the existing cabinets byknown means, such as by screws or mechanical fasteners. Horizontalbraces 55 engage upper right and upper left corners of the structuralpanels 54 (whether there are two or three such structural panels),rigidly holding the structural panels 54 in upright positions. Theillustrated beam-like braces 55 are secured by screws extended throughpredrilled holes in the panels 54 and that extend into holeslongitudinally drilled into ends of the braces 55. Where desired, thelongitudinal holes in the braces 55 can include inserts made of strongmaterial, such as plastic or metal, intended to reduce splitting of thebraces 55. The holes in the structural panels 54 are preferably coveredby plugs for aesthetic reasons, though it is contemplated that plugs canpotentially be eliminated, such as by using aesthetically-headed screws.

The structural panels 54 (FIG. 1A) include aligned pairs of holes 57(also called “attachment sites”) forming vertically-spaced attachmentsites on their inboard surfaces for supporting accessories, such as theillustrated raised half shelf panel 58. The attachment sites 57 can beuniformly spaced, or more preferably are spaced more densely near a topof the structural panels 54 and spaced farther apart at lower locationsfor functional reasons. The shelf panel 58 can be supported at aselected vertical position for customization, with the attachment beingby pegs or screws selectively positioned in the attachment sites andprotruding from the attachment sites (holes) for engagement with theshelf. The shelf can include bottom recesses (see FIG. 1F) to positivelyreceive the (horizontally-extending) peg for a more positive securement.It is also contemplated that the shelf panel 58 itself can be mounted ontrack extensions (see FIGS. 4M-4N) for slidingly extending the shelf 58laterally from between the vertical structural panels 54 for increasedaccess. The illustrated shelf panel 58 (FIG. 1A) includes edge rails 59made from a bent wire, where a section of the wire extends parallel toand a couple inches above the shelf's associated edge so that the rails59 more securely retain cans and other items on the shelf panel 58. Thestructural panels 54 and braces 55 form up-facing openings.

A half-length tray 60 (FIG. 1A) is configured to fit into one of theupwardly-facing openings, with its perimeter panels supported on pegsextending from upper-most ones of the attachment sites. The illustratedtray 60 includes an inside groove 60′ on its end, permitting a user togrip and lift the tray 60 from its seated position within the pullout53. It is contemplated that the tray 60 may not be configured to fitinside the up-facing opening, but instead it can alternatively beconfigured to rest on a top of the structural panels 54 and/or of thebraces 55, such as by including a machined-in ledge or protrudingfastener for engaging and supporting the tray 60 (instead of, or inaddition to, using the attachment sites). Notably, a top edge of thefront structural panel 54 includes a notch 54′ forming afinger-receiving hole letting a user grip and pull out the pullout 50from a closed/retracted position. It is contemplated that the notchcould instead be an opening located below a top edge of the structuralpanel 54 or could be another grippable structure for acting as a handle.

FIGS. 2-2A illustrate a modified pullout 53 having only two verticalstructural panels 54 (one at each end of the pullout 53), a full-widthraised shelf 62 with edge rails 59, a full-length tray 63, a butcherknife storage insert 64, and a butcher/cutting block 65. The tray 63includes a bottom with grooved edges configured to stably, securelyengage the top opening defined by the structural panels 54 and braces55. The butcher block 65 includes side flanges 66 so that the block 65nests in a stable position on the tray 63. Alternatively, the block 65could be configured to fit matably into and engage the top openingdefined by the tray 63 and insert 64 with slots and recess configured tostore knives in a safe, parallel arrangement. As illustrated, a top ofthe butcher block 65 protrudes slightly above the top side edges of tray63 and structural panels 54 and braces 55. It is noted that FIG. 2illustrates the three sections of the track extensions 52, with anouter/front end section connected to the bottom panel 55′, and with aninner/rear end section connected to the base 51.

FIG. 3 illustrates a modified pullout 53 similar to the pullout 53 inFIG. 1A. However, this pullout 53 includes three structural panels 54and an adjustable half shelf panel 58. Further, this pullout 53 includesa full length top tray 63 resting atop the pullout 53 and includeslaterally adjustable dividers 68 that can be repositioned and engagedwith slots 69 in the ends of the tray 63. The tray 63 further includes abottom surface and ledge 70 shaped to fit into and matably engage thetop opening. A bottom surface of the tray 63 can include a transverserecess to receive an upper edge of the intermediate structural panel 54to prevent interference (such as when the tray fits downwardly into atop of the pullout 53), or the tray 63 can simply be configured to reston or be located above the intermediate structural panel 54 (due to aheight at which the tray 63 is supported). It is noted that an opening71 is formed under the end of the tray, forming a finger hold to carrythe tray.

FIG. 4 is a chart illustrating various forms of the present system 50.To use the present system, a customer first measures a size of theaccess opening and storage space within an existing cabinet. Then, thecustomer uses the chart to select the most appropriate storage andorganizing system (50) that both fits into their existing cabinets, andalso efficiently and most effectively satisfies their needs andpreferences. In particular, the customer uses the information to selectan appropriate base (51), pullout (53), and to select function-providingaccessories. It is contemplated that the various pullouts andaccessories can be provided as unassembled kits, partially assembledkits, or fully assembled modules, and further that they can be providedas bins of components selectable to put together a customized kit thatfits into an existing cabinet to provide efficient customized function.

FIG. 4A illustrates the base 51 and two-panel pullout 53 (see FIGS.2-2A). Mounted to the pullout 53 in FIG. 4A is a full-width raised shelf62 with edge rails 59, with the base panel 55′ acting as a second(bottom) shelf. In FIG. 4A, an existing aesthetic panel 33 is usedinstead of a door (33) for closing the opening 32. In FIG. 4A, theexisting cabinet 31 is mounted directed to a front of the front verticalstructural panel 54 of the pullout 53. This can be done in differentways, such as by screws extending through the front structural panel 54and/or by brackets and/or even by adhesive. FIG. 4AA illustrates aZ-shaped mounting bracket 94 that can be used to mount the aestheticpanel 33 securely to a front of the pullout 53. Specifically, thebracket 94 has a first aperture flange engaging an inside of the frontvertical structural panel 54, and a second flange positioned to abut theinside surface of the aesthetic panel 33 when positioned against thefront of the pullout 53. Alternatively, it is noted that it (or asimilar bracket) can be used to mount a laterally-pivoting side door tothe side of the pullout 53 (see FIG. 4I), with the hinge of the sidedoor being attached to the outer flange on the bracket (94). The sidedoor can be pivoted to abut a side of the pullout 53, or be sized to fitinto the lateral opening defined by the vertical structural panels 54and braces 55.

FIG. 4B illustrates the pullout from FIG. 4A, but includes thefull-length tray 63 with a butcher knife storage insert 64 within thelong tray 63. FIG. 4C illustrates the pullout from FIG. 1A including thepullout 53 but including the short tray 60. A universal tray insert 64sets within the tray 60 for holding long items, such as silverware, orpens and pencils. FIG. 4D illustrates the pullout from FIG. 2, but thefull length tray 60 does not include an insert, such that cans and otherproduct can be positioned in the tray 60.

FIG. 4E illustrates the pullout from FIG. 2, and includes abutcher/cutting block 65 with notches 65′ in each end to provide afinger hold for lifting the block 65 out of and away from the pullout53. FIG. 4F illustrates the pullout from FIG. 1A, and includes ahalf-sized butcher/cutting block 65.

FIG. 4G illustrates the pullout from FIG. 2, but includes two trays 60with tray inserts 72 configured to hold eating utensils and cookingutensils.

FIG. 4H illustrates the pullout from FIG. 1, but includes a full lengthtray 63 for storing rolls of material, such as for wrapping cookedand/or baked foods.

FIGS. 4I-4T use the three-panel pullout 53 from FIG. 1, but includevarious accessories. It is noted that many of the present accessoriescan be used on either the two-panel or three-panel pullouts 53. Forexample, FIG. 4I discloses a removable side caddy 75 releasably attachedto the intermediate structural panel 54, the caddy including a handle 76attached to an up-facing hook 77 on the intermediate structural panel54. The caddy includes a fenced shelf 78 for holding items such asbottles of cleaners 79 and the like. Also, FIG. 4I discloses alaterally-pivoted side door 81 (also called a “door panel”) attached toan edge of the front structural panel 54, the door panel 81 having alock 82 for locking access to the side caddy 75 and also having adoor-mounted small-bottle wire rack 83 for carrying various small-bottleitems. (It is noted that in many circumstances, a door or closure panelwill have to be provided on both sides of the pullout so that a personcannot access the pullout 53 from its (open) back side. Notably, a wire(or molded) rack 83 could be attached to the side door 81 and used tohold spices or medicine or the like, making it useful in manyabove-the-countertop cabinets and applications. The side door 81 can bemounted in different ways, such as by using typical door hinges ormounting brackets similar to the bracket 96 shown in FIG. 4UU. Thebracket 96 is J-shaped, and includes a first flange for attachment to abrace 55 (see FIG. 4UU) or to the vertical structural panel 54 (seebracket 77 in FIG. 4I, or bracket 91 in FIG. 4K). The bracket 96 (FIG.4UU) also includes a second perpendicular flange extending from thefirst flange, and an up-facing third flange for providing a hook orother structure for holding an accessory (or door) adjacent to theassociated structural panel 54.

FIG. 4J discloses a double-shelf wire rack 85 attached to theintermediate structural panel 53 such as by screws, including verticalstruts 86 screw-attached to the structural panel 54, a fenced top shelf87, and a fenced bottom shelf 88, such as for holding large bottles andcontainers. FIG. 4K includes a wire mesh basket 90 held to thestructural panel 54 of the pullout 53 by a hook 91 and a lip 92.Notably, the basket 90 can be made releasable from the hooks forcarriage away from the pullout 53. See for example, the bracket 96 (FIG.4II) which can be used as such a basket-retaining hook. FIG. 4Ldiscloses a pair of bent-wire holders 93 adapted to hold a waste bin 94in a stable position on the pullout 53. It is noted that the pullout 53of FIG. 4L could be adapted to hold one or two trash bins 94 (i.e. witha bin 94 on either side of the intermediate structural panel 54.) FIG.4M discloses a pullout 53 supporting two mid-level raised extendablehalf-shelf panels 95, each being supported on each side by tracks 96 forextension. The tracks 96 can be supported on the attachment sites/holes57, or can be separately attached by fasteners or screws threadeddirectly into the associated vertical structural panel 54.

FIG. 4N discloses a pullout having a waste bin 94 on one side and apullout shelf 95 on its other side. FIG. 4O discloses a first peg board96 on the intermediate structural panel 53 with hooks 97 for holdingvarious pans 98, and further includes a second peg board 96′ on a “rear”opposite side of the pullout 53, with hooks 97′ engaging the peg board96′ for holding various cooking utensils 98′.

FIG. 4P discloses a pullout 53 adapted for organizing a desk or similararea. For example, the pullout 53 includes a fixed half shelf 100 withan (upright) media storage mail tray 101 and a (horizontal) multi-tierpaper tray 102 below the shelf 100, and also with a multi-tier papertray 103 (for holding paper or for holding an electrical device such asan iPad or other personal electronic device) and an electrical chargingdevice 104 above the shelf 100. It is noted that the electrical chargingdevice can include an electrical cord extending to an electrical pluginside or adjacent the existing cabinet, such as is often provided forunder-sink drain disposals and/or in pantries or living rooms.

FIG. 4Q discloses an accessory for supporting activities associated witha liquor bar (such as an insulated cooling tub for holding ice forchilling wine) and a bottom shelf holding a wine-bottle opener, andFIGS. 4R-4S disclose accessories for supporting wine bottles, such asthe bottle-engaging criss-cross lattice rack 107 of FIG. 4R, or thestemware rack 108 of FIG. 4R. Also FIG. 4T discloses a cooler orrefrigerator 110 supported on a bottom shelf (i.e. on the base panel)and electrically connected to an outlet 111 that is in turn connected toa multi-outlet electrical power supply.

FIG. 4U discloses yet another accessory with a side rack 98 for holdingbaking equipment, such as a cupcake pan, rolls of aluminum sheet and ofplastic sheet for covering baked items, and the like.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made onthe aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of thepresent invention, and further it is to be understood that such conceptsare intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claimsby their language expressly state otherwise.

1. A storage and organization system for customizing existing cabinets,where the existing cabinets define differently-sized storage spaces withat least two differently-sized standardized access openings, comprising:differently-sized first and second stationary bases constructed to fitinto an associated one of the differently-sized storage spaces andincluding attachment structure for bottom mounting to the associatedcabinet and including spaced-apart track extensions located to extendthrough an associated one of the standardized access openings, but witha widest spaced one of the track extensions not being able to fitthrough a narrowest one of the standardized access openings; first andsecond accessory-supporting pullouts configured to slidably engage thespaced-apart track extensions of the first and second stationary bases,respectively, and constructed to fit through and extend from theassociated access opening of the existing cabinets, the pullouts beingmovable between an extended position for side access and a refractedposition for storage; and a plurality of different accessoriesselectively attachable to the pullouts to provide different functions onthe pullouts.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the pullout includes atleast two vertical structural panels positioned on front and rear endsof the pullouts.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the pullout includesat least two horizontal braces rigidly supporting the at least twovertical structural panels.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein the atleast two vertical structural panels include a third intermediatestructural panel.
 5. The system of claim 2, wherein the plurality ofdifferent accessories include a horizontal shelf extending between theat least two vertical structural panels.
 6. The system of claim 2,wherein the vertical structural panels include attachment sites spacedvertically, and wherein the shelf is selectively engagable with theattachment sites for selective vertical position adjustment.
 7. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein one of the accessories is an electrifiedaccessory that includes an electrical device for providing electricalpower inside the associated pullout.
 8. The system of claim 1, whereinthe accessories include at least two items selected from a groupconsisting of: a vertically-adjustable shelf accessory, a side-by-sidedouble shelf accessory, a knife-storage-and-butcher-block accessory, autensil organizer accessory, a spice tray accessory, a roll manageraccessory, a peg board accessory, a wine storage accessory, a wine glassstorage accessory, a trash bin holder accessory, a media storage rackaccessory, a peg board accessory, a side caddy accessory, a basketaccessory, an insulated container-holding accessory, and an electrifiedaccessory.
 9. An apparatus including, in combination, a standardizedcabinet and a storage and organization system adapted to be insertedinto the standardized cabinet for organizing and customizing thestandardized cabinet, where the standardized cabinet has a definedstorage space and defined access opening, the storage and organizationsystem comprising a stationary base adapted to fit within and beattached to a bottom of the existing cabinet and a pullout, the pulloutengaging the stationary base for movement between an extended positionfor access and a retracted position within the standardized cabinet forstorage; the pullout including front and rear spaced-apart verticalstructural panels each having vertically-spaced horizontally-alignedpairs of attachment sites on inboard surfaces and including horizontalbraces rigidly connecting the vertical structural panels to definelaterally-accessible openings and further including at least one shelfselectively attached to the attachment sites and supported by thevertical structural panels.
 10. A method for customizing an existingcabinet comprising: measuring dimensions of an existing cabinetincluding dimensions of an access opening into the cabinet; selecting astationary base from a plurality of different sized bases, andinstalling the selected base in a bottom of the existing cabinet;selecting an accessory-supporting pullout from a plurality of differentpullouts and installing the selected pullout on the selected base formovement between an extended position for access and a retractedposition for storage, the selected pullout including at least twovertical structural panels; and selecting a functional accessory from aplurality of accessory components and installing the selected functionalaccessory on the pullout, the functional accessory being designed toorganize and provide customized storage and holding functions.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the at least two vertical structural panelsinclude front and rear vertical structural panels, and whereininstalling the selected functional accessory includes supporting theselected functional accessory on the front and rear vertical structuralpanels.
 12. A method for customizing an existing cabinet having a mainspace and having an access opening with a width dimension and a heightdimension comprising: installing a base in a bottom of the existingcabinet, the base including track extensions; and selecting anaccessory-supporting pullout from a plurality of different pullouts,each different pullout having a different structure for providing adifferent set of functions, where the selected pullout is constructed toclosely fit into the width and height dimensions of the access openingand constructed to fit within the main space of the existing cabinet forstorage; operably installing the selected pullout on the trackextensions of the base for movement between retracted and extendedpositions; and selecting accessories to support a desired functionalneed and installing the selected accessories on the selected pullout.